Happy New Year to everybody! In our Facebook Destinites (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites) group recently, I shared the following information which was posted by the City of Destin Government, on their Facebook page, December 18, 2025.
“Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer, who is Destin’s representative, announced today (12/18/25) that a town hall meeting will be held 12/30/25 at 3 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center (1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE in Fort Walton Beach) to discuss plans for a 4-acre parcel of land on Holiday Isle that was recently purchased by the State of Florida to be used as a public park. There will be a brief presentation by County staff and an opportunity for the public to speak and give their input on this unique waterfront property.”
This link will guide you to the draft Management Plan for the park that the County created: cityofdestin.com. (Info is currently on their website’s Home page). “The City of Destin encourages residents to review this draft County Plan and participate in the town hall meeting by sharing any thoughts, concerns or ideas.”
Below are some of the concerns and suggestions from our Destinites group members. Keep in mind that not everybody read the plans first before responding. I would like to strongly advise reviewing the plans and attending town hall meetings when possible. Let your voice be heard!
- Parking. The end of Gulf Shore Drive needs PARKING!!!!
2. Crime, streets overcrowded into and out of Holiday Isle, ability of county to handle drownings on dangerous current, all a factor. Public beach should be on the other side where Air Force property is.
3. Unfortunately, just like the parking over there for the Harbor, any new parking that comes up will be subject to probably $20 for four hours or for the day either way when you look at South Florida, and the fact that all your public access to taxpayers pay for to upkeep all the parking has to be paid by the taxpayer when he goes to enjoy God’s gift to us. - Can we get a party pool at the park?!
- Be a perfect spot for a skate park! (ha)
- Kids playground.
- Enough room for storage units, a car wash and even an Alvins Island. (ha)
- Not a preserve? Why not?
- Now the fight begins to keep it FREE for EVERYONE.
- Sometimes the best idea is to simply do nothing and leave the earth alone.
If you are a Destin resident or in the surrounding area, I invite you to join our private, targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites. We now have 12,300+ members (est. Oct. 2018). Check out our local business directory at Destinites.com, where more than 500 local businesses are listed and enjoy advertising, in our targeted community group.
